Compression post with retainer clip

ABSTRACT

Example aspects of a retainer clip for a compression post, a compression post for a building, and a method of adjusting a length of a compression post are disclosed. The retainer clip can comprise a retainer body defining a first lateral body end, a second lateral body end opposite the first lateral end, a retainer opening formed through the retainer body and positioned between the first and second lateral body ends, and a retainer tab extending into the retainer opening; a biasing element positioner extending from the second lateral body end, the biasing element positioner comprising a positioner end wall, the positioner end wall defining an inner surface; and a biasing element engaging the inner surface of the biasing element positioner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/510,499, filed Jul. 12, 2019, which is hereby specificallyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to building construction. More specifically,this disclosure relates to a compression post comprising a retainerclip.

BACKGROUND

Compression posts are commonly used in building construction and canprovide support for ceilings and/or elevated floors during construction,such as before proper support structures are built in place. Typically,a compression post extends between the floor and the ceiling of a singlelevel of a building and can be compressed therebetween to hold thecompression post in place, which prevents the compression post frombeing moved out of place by accidental contact with a worker orconstruction equipment, shifting of the building during construction, oreven seismic events. Compression posts must be properly compressed toprovide the necessary structural support; however, typical compressionposts do not indicate to a user/installer whether the compression postis properly or improperly compressed. When the compression post is notproperly compressed, it can be moved out of place. For example, aconstruction worker can accidentally run into the compression post,knocking the compression post out of position and potentiallydestabilizing the building, even causing the collapse of a portion orall of the building.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview ofthe disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it isintended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosurenor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is toexplain and exemplify certain concepts off the disclosure as anintroduction to the following complete and extensive detaileddescription.

Disclosed is an indicator for a compression post comprising a legconfigured to engage a support plate of the compression post; and anindication portion supported by the leg and comprising; a first visualindicator configured to indicate that the compression post is in anuncompressed configuration; and a second visual indicator configured toindicate that the compression post is in a compressed configuration.

Also disclosed is a compression post for a building comprising a postouter shell defining a hollow interior and comprising a first sectionand a second section; an inner post slidably engaged with at least thesecond section of the post outer shell; and a visual indication systemconfigured to indicate when the compression post is in a compressedconfiguration and an uncompressed configuration.

Also disclosed is a method for using a compression post, the methodcomprising providing a post outer shell and an inner post, the postouter shell comprising a first section and a second section, the innerpost slidably engaged with at least the second section, wherein thecompression post is in an uncompressed configuration; showing a firstvisual indicator of a visual indication system in the uncompressedconfiguration; moving the second section away from the first section toslide the second section along the inner post and to compress a springand placing the compression post in a compressed configuration; andrevealing a second visual indicator of the visual indication system inthe compressed configuration.

A retainer clip for a compression post is disclosed, the retainer clipcomprising a retainer body defining a first lateral body end, a secondlateral body end opposite the first lateral end, a retainer openingformed through the retainer body and positioned between the first andsecond lateral body ends, and a retainer tab extending into the retaineropening; a biasing element positioner extending from the second lateralbody end, the biasing element positioner comprising a positioner endwall, the positioner end wall defining an inner surface; and a biasingelement engaging the inner surface of the biasing element positioner.

Also disclosed is a compression post for a building comprising a postouter shell; an inner post slidably engaged with the post outer shell,the inner post defining a plurality of retainer slots; and a retainerclip comprising a retainer tab, the retainer clip movable between anengaged configuration, wherein the retainer tab engages a one of theretainer slots, and a disengaged configuration, wherein the retainer tabis disengaged from each of the retainer slots.

A method of adjusting a length of a compression post is disclosed, themethod comprising providing a compression post comprising an inner postand an post outer shell, the inner post slidably engaged with the postouter shell, the inner post defining a plurality of retainer slots;disengaging a retainer tab of a retainer clip from a one of the retainerslots; sliding the inner post relative to the post outer shell to adjusta length of the compression post to a desired length; and engaging theretainer tab with another one of the retainer slots to retain the innerpost in position relative to the post outer shell at the desired length.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated toemphasize the general principles of the present disclosure.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a compression post comprising an indicator, inaccordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein thecompression post is in an uncompressed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an indicator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the compression post of FIG. 1 in a compressedconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the compression post of FIG. 1 inthe compressed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a top plate of the compression post of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a retainer clip, in accordance withanother aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of the retainer clip according toanother aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the retainer clip of FIG. 6assembled with the compression post, in accordance with another aspectof the present disclosure, wherein the retainer clip is in an engagedconfiguration.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the retainer clip of FIG. 6A assembled withthe compression post of FIG. 8, wherein the retainer clip is in adisengaged configuration.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the retainer clip of FIG. 6A assembled withthe compression post of FIG. 8, wherein the retainer clip is in theengaged configuration.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the retainer clip, in accordancewith another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the retainer clip of FIG. 10assembled with the compression post of FIG. 7, wherein the retainer clipis in the engaged configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference tothe following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andthe previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of thepresent devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently knownaspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognizeand appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects ofthe present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, whilestill obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. Itwill also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the presentdisclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of thepresent disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, thosewho work in the art will recognize that many modifications andadaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even bedesirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the presentdisclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrativeof the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitationthereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more suchelements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scalemeasures within a range between X plus an industry-standard uppertolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standardlower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances canvary between different materials, processes and between differentmodels, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particularcomponent can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, oneshould note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do notinclude, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditionallanguage is not generally intended to imply that features, elementsand/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspectsor that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic fordeciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed inany particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect orcombination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a compression post andassociated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Exampleaspects of the compression post can comprise a post outer shell and aninner post slidably received within at least a portion of the post outershell. The compression post can further comprise a visual indicationsystem for indicating when the compression post is properly compressed.It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosedcompression post is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many.No particular terminology or description should be considered limitingon the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first aspect of a compression post 100 according tothe present disclosure. The compression post 100 can be positioned toextend between a ceiling and a floor of a building (not shown). Asillustrated, the compression post 100 can comprise two support plates: atop plate 102 for engaging the ceiling and a bottom plate 104 forengaging the floor. The compression post 100 can also comprise a postouter shell 110 and an inner post 140, which together can extend betweenthe top plate 102 and the bottom plate 104. In some aspects, each of thetop plate 102 and bottom plate 104 can comprise a gripping pad 106 forimproved grip strength with the ceiling and floor, respectively. Thegripping pad 106 can be formed from a non-slip material, such as, forexample, rubber. Example aspects of the post outer shell 110 can besubstantially rectangular in shape and can define a hollow interior. Theinner post 140 can also be substantially rectangular in shape and can bereceived within the hollow interior of the post outer shell 110. Each ofthe inner post 140 and post outer shell 110 can define a substantiallysquare cross-sectional shape. However, in other aspects, the inner post140 and post outer shell 110 can define any other suitable shape, suchas cylindrical, and any other suitable cross-sectional shape, such ascircular. Furthermore, example aspects of the inner post 140 and postouter shell 110 can be formed from a metal material, such as, forexample, steel. In other aspects, the inner post 140 and post outershell 110 can be formed from another metal material, such as aluminum,iron, a plastic material, or any other suitable material known in theart.

As shown, in example aspects, the inner post 140 can extend beyond a topend 112 of the post outer shell 110 and can engage the top plate 102. Insome aspects, the inner post 140 can comprise a foot 142 at a top end144 thereof, and the foot 142 can be pivotably coupled to the top plate102. The pivotable connection between the foot 142 of the inner post 140and the top plate 102 can accommodate for slight vertical misalignmentof the compression post 100 or for non-parallel floors and ceilings, ifpresent. Further, according to example aspects, the inner post 140 canbe configured to slide within the post outer shell 110, or portionsthereof. According to example aspects, the post outer shell 110 candefine a first section, such as an upper section 114, and a secondsection, such as a lower section 124, that can be spaced from the uppersection 114. The inner post 140 can extend through both of the upper andlower sections 114,124, as shown. According to example aspects, theupper section 114 of the post outer shell 110 can define one or moreupper holes 116 defined therethrough on both sides of the upper section114. The lower section 124 of the post can also define one or more lowerholes 126 defined therethrough on both sides of the lower section 124.In the present aspect, the upper and lower holes 116,126 can be spacedvertically along the upper section 114 and lower section 124, relativeto the orientation shown.

In example aspects, a first bolt (not shown) can extend through one ofthe upper holes 116 and through a corresponding hole 146 through theinner post 140 to hold the upper section 114 in place relative to theinner post 140. In some aspects, multiple holes 146 can be definedthrough the inner post 140 to allow for the height of the compressionpost 100 to be adjusted. Specifically, the position of the inner post140 relative to the upper section 114 can be selectively adjusted and alength of the compression post 100 can be selectively adjusted toaccommodate varying distances between the floor and ceiling.

Similarly, a second bolt (not shown) can optionally extend through oneof the lower holes 126 and can serve as a stop against a lower end (notshown) of the inner post 140. In some aspects, the first bolt or thesecond bolt can extend through one of the lower holes 126 and throughanother hole 146 in the inner post 140 in order to hold the lowersection 114 in place relative to the inner post 140, such as fortransportation of the compression post when not in use. Nuts can holdeach of the bolts in place on the upper section 114 and the lowersection 124, respectively. In some aspects, the bolts can be replacedwith any other suitable device, such as a cotter pin, clevis pin, hitchpin, or a spring-loaded button mounted inside the inner post 140.

In example aspects, the upper section 114 can define an upper fastenerledge 118 extending therefrom and the lower section 124 can define alower fastener ledge 128 extending therefrom. In the present aspect, theupper section 114 can extend through an upper ledge opening 418 (shownin FIG. 4) of the upper fastener ledge 118, and the lower section 124can extend through a lower ledge opening 428 (shown in FIG. 4) of thelower fastener ledge 128. In some aspects, each of the upper and lowerfastener ledges 118,128 can each be oriented at an obtuse angle α withrespect to the post outer shell 110 and to a vertical direction. Assuch, the upper and lower fastener ledges 118,128 can be substantiallyparallel to one another. A fastener, such as a threaded bolt 150, asshown, can engage each of the upper fastener ledge 118 and lowerfastener ledge 128. The threaded bolt 150 can define a bolt head 152 anda threaded tail 154 extending therefrom. In example aspects, thethreaded tail 154 of the threaded bolt 150 can extend through an opening(not shown) in the lower fastener ledge 128 and a distal end 156 of thethreaded tail 154 can abut the upper fastener ledge 118 distal from thebolt head 152. In the present aspect, a nut 130 and a washer 132 can beaffixed to the lower fastener ledge 128, as shown, for example, bywelding. The nut 130 and washer 132 be aligned with the opening, suchthat the nut 130, the opening, and the washer 132 can define anengagement assembly 133 through which the threaded tail 154 of thethreaded bolt 150 can extend. In other aspects, the nut 130 and washer132 can be affixed to the lower fastener ledge 128 by an adhesive or anyother suitable fastener known in the art. According to example aspects,as shown, the nut 130 can be affixed to a lower surface 134 of the lowerfastener ledge 128 and the washer 132 can be affixed to an upper surface136 of the lower fastener ledge 128. Example aspects of the nut 130 cancomprise threading configured to mate with the threading of the threadedbolt 150. Furthermore, as shown, example aspects of the threaded bolt150 can comprise a snap ring 138 coupled thereto proximate the distalend 156 thereof, which can prevent the threaded bolt 150 fromdisengaging the engagement assembly 133, as described in further detailbelow.

The threaded bolt 150 can be loosened or tightened within the threadednut 130 to move the upper section 114 and lower section 124 away from ortowards one another, respectively. For example, when the threaded bolt150 is tightened in the threaded nut 130, the distal end 156 of thethreaded tail 154 can be pressed against the upper fastener ledge 118 tomove the lower section 124 away from the upper section 114. On the otherhand, when the threaded bolt 150 is loosened in the threaded nut 130,the threaded bolt 150 can move away from the upper fastener ledge 118,reducing the force applied to the spring 190 and allowing the spring 190to bias the lower section 124 towards the upper section 114. Accordingto example aspects, the snap ring 138 of the threaded bolt 150 can abutthe washer 132 when the threaded bolt 150 is significantly loosened inorder to prevent the threaded bolt 150 from disengaging the engagementassembly 133. The upper and lower fastener ledges 118,128 are orientedat the angle α, as described above, and the threaded bolt 150 extendsorthogonal to the ledges 118,128, which can cause the upper section 114and lower section 124 to push laterally in opposite directions againstthe inner post 140 as the threaded bolt 150 is tightened and the upperand lower section 124 are pushed apart. These lateral forces increasefriction forces between the sections 114,124 and the inner post 140 tofurther hold the inner post 140 in place relative to the post outershell 110.

According to example aspects, the compression post 100 can be orientedin an uncompressed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, and a compressedconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 1, the compressionpost 100 can comprise a visual indication system 160 configured toindicate when the compression post 100 is fully in the compressedconfiguration. Example aspects of the visual indication system 160 cancomprise a window 162 defined in the lower section 124 of the post outershell 110 and an indicator 164 positioned within the hollow interior ofthe lower section 124 of the post outer shell 110 adjacent to the window162. In one aspect, in the uncompressed configuration, a first visualindicator 166 of the indicator 164 can be visible through the window162, and in the compressed configuration, a second visual indicator 268(shown in FIG. 2) of the indicator 164 can be visible through the window162. For example, in one particular aspect, the first visual indicator166 can be a first color, such as red, and the second visual indicator268 can be a second color, such as white, or can match the color of thepost outer shell 110. In some aspects, the second visual indicator 268can simply be a portion of the indicator 164 that is not the firstvisual indicator 166 and simply blends with the rest of the compressionpost 100. The visual appearance of the first visual indicator 166 canindicate that the compression post 100 is not fully compressed, whilethe visual appearance of the second visual indicator 268 can indicatethat the compression post 100 is fully and properly compressed in thecompressed configuration. In another aspect, the indicator 164 caninclude any suitable words, indicia, or any other markings to indicatethat the compression post 100 is in either the compressed configurationor uncompressed configuration. Furthermore, in some other aspects, theindicator 164 can define additional visual indicators. For example, inone aspect, a third visual indicator (not shown) can be provided toindicate that the compression post is in a partially compressedconfiguration, in between the uncompressed configuration and thecompressed configuration.

Example aspects of the compression post 100 can comprise a fastener,such as a bolt 180, for movably coupling the post outer shell 110 to theindicator 164 of the visual indication system 160. The bolt 180 can befixedly secured to the post outer shell 110 through a hole (not shown)defined through the post outer shell 110. Example aspects of the bolt180 can be slidably received within a slot 270 (shown in FIG. 2) of theindicator 164, such that the post outer shell 110 can slide relative tothe indicator 164. According to example aspects, the inner post 140 canbe configured to terminate within the lower section 124 at a locationabove the visual indication system 160, such that the inner post 140does not interfere with the visual indication system 160. Furthermore,in example aspects, as shown, a spring 190 can extend between the bottomplate 104 of the compression post 100 and the bolt 180. The spring 190can be a compression spring, for example, and can define a spring force.However, in other aspects, the spring 190 can be another type of spring.The spring 190 can wrap around a leg 172 of the indicator 164 as shown,and can extend between the bottom plate 104 and the bolt 180 receivedthrough the slot 270. In the uncompressed configuration of thecompression post 100, as shown in FIG. 1, the spring force of the spring190 can bias the bolt 180 upward within the slot 270 and away from thebottom plate 104. Because the bolt 180 can be fixedly secured to thepost outer shell 110, the post outer shell 110 can consequently also bebiased upward and away from the bottom plate 104. As such, the spring190 can bias the compression post 100 to the uncompressed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 2, an example aspect of the indicator 164 is shown.Example aspects of the indicator can comprise a leg 172. The leg 172 cangenerally define an upper end 274 and a lower end 276, as shown. Thelower end 276 of the leg 172 can be connected to or mounted on thebottom plate 104 of the compression post 100 (shown in FIG. 1). The leg172 can extend generally upward from the bottom plate 104, relative tothe orientation shown. According to example aspects, the slot 270 of theindicator 164 can be defined in the leg 172. In some aspects, the slot270 can be oriented proximate the upper end of the leg 172, as shown;however, in other aspects, the slot 270 can be oriented at any othersuitable location along the leg 172. Example aspects of the indicator164 can further comprise an indicator bracket 277. The indicator bracket277 can generally define a central portion 278 coupled to and extendinggenerally upward from the upper end 274 of the leg 172, relative to theorientation shown, and an indication portion 280 distal from the leg172. In the present aspect, the central portion 278 and the indicationportion 280 can be monolithically formed; however, in other aspects, thecentral portion 278 and indication 280 can be separately formed andcoupled together. According to example aspects, the central portion 278can be attached to the leg 172 by a fastener 279, such as, for example,a bolt or screw. In some aspects, as shown, the central portion 278 canalso comprise an arm 282 extending therefrom and configured to engage anotch 284 defined in the upper end 274 of the leg 172.

The indication portion 280 can comprise the first visual indicator 166and the second visual indicator 268. In the present aspect, the secondvisual indicator 268, which, when visible through the window 162 can beindicative that the compression post 100 is in the compressedconfiguration, can be located on the indication portion 280 proximate tothe central portion 278 of the indicator bracket 277. The first visualindicator 166, which, when visible through the window 162 can beindicative that the compression post 100 is not in compressedconfiguration, can be located on the indication portion 280 adjacent tothe second visual indicator 168 and distal to the central portion 278.In some aspects, the indication portion 280 can be substantiallyparallel with the leg 172. Furthermore, as shown, some example aspectsof the central portion 278 can define a bend 286. The bend 286 canextend between the leg 172 and the indication portion 280 at anangle_(R) relative to each of the leg 172 and indication portion 280. Assuch, the indication portion 280 and the leg 172, while parallel to oneanother, can be vertically misaligned, relative to the orientationshown, which can push the indication portion 280 towards or against thewindow 162.

As described above, the spring force of the spring 190 (shown in FIG. 1)can bias the compression post 100 to the uncompressed configuration.Referring to FIG. 3, in the compressed configuration, the spring forcecan be overcome and the spring 190 (shown in FIG. 1) can be compressed.To move the compression post 100 from the uncompressed configuration tothe compressed configuration, a force exceeding the spring force of thespring 190 must be applied to the spring 190. In the present aspect, toapply a force to the spring 190, the threaded bolt 150 of thecompression post 100 can be rotated, such as with a drill or socketwrench, to push the threaded bolt 150 against the upper fastener ledge118 and to move the lower section 124 of the post outer shell 110 awayfrom the upper section 114 of the post outer shell 110. The lowersection 124 of the post outer shell 110 can slide downward along theinner post 140, relative to the orientation shown. The first bolt can beengaged with one of the upper holes 116 a,b of the upper section 114 andone of the holes 146 defined through the inner post 140, such that theinner post 140 can be fixed relative to the upper section 114 of thepost outer shell 110. Thus, because the inner post 140 can be fixedlyattached to the top plate 102 of the compression post 100, the innerpost 140 and the upper section 114 of the post outer shell 110 canremain stationary as the lower section 124 moves downward, relative tothe orientation shown, and away from the upper section 114.

As the lower section 124 moves away from the upper section 114, thelower section 124 can be moving towards the bottom plate 104 of thecompression post 100. As such, the bolt 180 fixedly attached to thelower section 124 can slide downward, relative to the orientation shown,within the slot 270 (shown in FIG. 2) of the indicator 164 and can movetowards the bottom plate 104. The spring 190 (shown in FIG. 1) can besandwiched between the bolt 180 and the bottom plate 104, such that thespring 190 can be compressed as the bolt 180 moves towards the bottomplate 104. Furthermore, as the lower section 124 of the post outer shell110 moves downward relative to the indicator 164, which can be fixedlyconnected to the bottom plate 104 by the leg 172 (shown in FIG. 1) ofthe indicator 164, the window 162 of the lower section 124 can alsotravel downward relative to the indicator 164. As such, the window 162can move past the first visual indicator 166, which can be seen throughthe window 162 in the uncompressed configuration, and can move towardsthe second visual indicator 268. The threaded bolt 150 can be rotated tocompress the spring 190 until the first visual indicator 166 is nolonger visible and only the second visual indicator 268 is visiblethrough the window 162, which can indicate that the compression post 100is fully and properly compressed in the compressed configuration. Forexample, in one aspect, the compression force can be about 200 psi inthe compressed configuration; however, in other aspects, the compressionforce can be any other suitable amount to properly compress thecompression post 100 in the compressed configuration. Furthermore, asthe spring 190 is compressed, the spring force of the spring 190 canresist the compression and can attempt to expand, applying a generallydownward force against the bottom plate 104, relative to the orientationshown, and applying a generally upward force against the bolt 180,relative to the orientation shown, which can be transmitted to the topplate 102. As such, the compression post 100 can apply a force to boththe floor and the ceiling of the building, fixing the compression post100 in place to resist forces acting against it. It should be notedthat, in other aspects of the compression post 100, the visualindication system 160 can be located at the upper section 114 of thecompression post 100, as opposed the lower section 124. For example, thewindow 162 can be defined in the upper section 114 and the indicator 164can be coupled to the top plate 102.

Referring to FIG. 4, in some aspects, the compression post 100 canfurther comprise a bracket 400 coupled to the lower section 124 of thepost outer shell 110. As shown, the bracket 400 can be coupled to thelower section 124 at a position above the window 162 (shown in FIG. 1).According to example aspects, the bracket 400 can be configured toengage a panel (not shown), such as, for example, a wire panel. Thepanel can be configured to support personnel (e.g., constructionworkers) above the floor of the building. In other aspects, thecompression post 100 can include additional brackets 400 for supportingadditional panels and/or the bracket 400 can be positioned at any othersuitable location along the compression post 100. FIG. 4 alsoillustrates the upper ledge opening 418 formed through the upperfastener ledge 118 and the lower ledge opening 428 formed through thelower fastener ledge 128.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the top plate 102. Example aspects ofthe top plate 102 can comprise a netting hook 500, as shown. The nettinghook 500 can define an opening 502 between the netting hook 500 and thetop plate 102. According to example aspects, the netting hook 500 can beconfigured to engage a safety netting (not shown) to support the safetynetting above the floor of the building. For example, the safety nettingcan be a worker safety netting for protecting a worker in the event of afall or can be a debris netting for capturing debris. In some aspects,the bottom plate 104 (shown in FIG. 1) can also comprise a netting hook500 for engaging a safety netting.

FIG. 6A illustrates a retainer clip 600 configured to hold the innerpost 140 (shown in FIG. 1) in place relative to the lower section 124(shown in FIG. 1) of the post outer shell 110 (shown in FIG. 1),according to another example aspect of the present disclosure. Exampleaspects of the retainer clip 600 can comprise a substantially planarretainer body 610. The retainer body 610 can generally define a firstbody end 612, an opposite second body end 614, a first lateral body end616, and an opposite second lateral body end 618. The retainer body 610can also define a body upper surface 620 and a body lower surface 822(shown in FIG. 8). According to example aspects, the retainer clip 600can further comprise a ledge grip 630 extending from the first lateralbody end 616 and a biasing element positioner 650 extending from thesecond lateral body end 618 opposite the ledge grip 630. A retaineropening 670 can be formed through retainer body 610 and can define afirst lateral opening end 672 and an opposite second lateral opening end674. In example aspects, the retainer body 610 can define a retainer tab676 extending laterally into the retainer opening 670 from the firstlateral opening end 672 towards the second lateral opening end 674.

In example aspects, the ledge grip 630 can extend from the first lateralbody end 616 of the retainer body 610. In some aspects, the ledge grip630 can be substantially J-shaped, as shown. The J-shaped ledge grip 630can define a first portion, which can be a generally curved portion 632in the present aspect, and a second portion, which can be a generallyplanar portion 638 in the present aspect. The curved portion 632 can besubstantially C-shaped in the present aspect and can define a proximalend 634 coupled to the retainer body 610 and a distal end 636 oppositethe proximal end 634. The curved portion 632 can extend substantiallydownward from the retainer body 610, relative to the orientation shown,and the planar portion 638 of the ledge grip 630 can extend from thedistal end 636 of the curved portion 632, such that the planar portion638 can extend beneath the retainer body 610, relative to theorientation shown. In some aspects, a junction 640 between the curvedportion 632 and the planar portion 638 can be substantially smooth andcontinuous, as shown in the present FIG. 6A; however, in other aspects,the junction 640 between the curved portion 632 and the planar portion638 can define a sharp interior edge 642, as shown in FIG. 6B.Furthermore, in the present aspect, the planar portion 638 can beoriented substantially parallel with the retainer body 610, though inother aspects, the planar portion 638 and retainer body 610 may not beparallel. As shown, a ledge slot 644 can be defined between the retainerbody 610 and the ledge grip 630, which can be configured to receive aportion of the upper fastener ledge 118 (shown in FIG. 1), as describedin further detail below.

According to example aspects, the biasing element positioner 650 canextend from the second lateral body end 618 of the retainer body 610.The biasing element positioner 650 can define a positioner end wall 652,which can be curved in the present aspect, and a plurality of positionertines 660 extending therefrom. The curved positioner end wall 652 can besubstantially C-shaped in the present aspect and can define proximal end654 coupled to the retainer body 610 and a distal end 656 opposite theproximal end 654. The curved positioner end wall 652 can extendsubstantially downward from the retainer body 610, relative to theorientation shown, and can curve towards the ledge grip 630. Exampleaspects of the positioner tines 660 of the biasing element positioner650 can extend substantially upward from the distal end 656 of thecurved positioner end wall 652, relative towards the orientation shown,towards the retainer body 610. A positioner slot 662 can be definedbetween each adjacent pair of positioner tines 660, as shown. A biasingelement 850 (shown in FIG. 8), such as a spring 855 (shown in FIG. 8)can extend through one of the positioner slots 662 to engage an innersurface 658 of the curved positioner end wall 652, as described infurther detail below.

As shown, according to example aspects, the retainer opening 670 canextend fully through the retainer body 610 from the body upper surface620 to the body lower surface 822. The retainer opening 670 can be sizedand shaped to receive the inner post 140 therethrough. In the presentaspect, the retainer opening 670 can be elongated in the lateraldirection, such that the retainer opening 670 can generally define arectangular shape. In other aspects, the retainer opening 670 can be anyother suitable shape. As shown, the retainer tab 676 can extend into theretainer opening 670 from the first lateral opening end 672substantially in the lateral direction towards the second lateralopening end 674. In the present aspect, the retainer tab 676 can besized and shaped to engage one or more retainer slots 742 (shown in FIG.7) of the inner post 140, as described in further detail below.

FIG. 7 illustrates the compression post 100 comprising the retainer clip600, according to another aspect of the present invention. In exampleaspects, the retainer clip 600 can be slidably mounted on the upperfastener ledge 118. As depicted, in some aspects, the compression post100 may not comprise the upper section 114 (shown in FIG. 1) of the postouter shell 110. As such, the upper fastener ledge 118 is not coupled tothe upper section 114 in the present aspect. Rather, the threaded bolt150 can press generally upward against the upper fastener ledge 118adjacent to a proximal lateral end 720 thereof, relative to theorientation shown, to bias the upper fastener ledge 118 against the bodylower surface 822 (shown in FIG. 8) of the retainer clip 600, therebysecuring the upper fastener ledge 118 to the retainer clip 600.Furthermore, a distal lateral end 722 of the upper fastener ledge 118can be retained within the ledge slot 644 of the retainer clip 600,further securing the upper fastener ledge 118 to the retainer clip 600.The upper fastener ledge 118 can thus be secured to the retainer clip600 at or near each of the proximal lateral end 720 and distal lateralend 722 thereof. Example aspects of the retainer clip 600 can beoriented in an engaged configuration, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10,wherein the retainer clip 600 is secured to the inner post 140, and adisengaged configuration, as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the retainer clip600 is disengaged from and movable relative to the inner post 140.

According to example aspects, the inner post 140 can extend through theupper ledge opening 418 (shown in FIG. 4) formed through the upperfastener ledge 118 and through the retainer opening 670 of the retainerclip 600. Example aspects of the inner post 140 can define a pluralityof the retainer slots 742 formed along a length of inner post 140 or aportion thereof. The retainer slots 742 can be equally spaced from oneanother, as shown, and can be formed along a first side 744 of the innerpost 140, which can face towards the retainer tab 676 of the retainerclip 600. In other aspects, the retainer slots 742 may not be equallyspaced. In the engaged configuration, as illustrated, the retainer tab676 can be configured to extend into a corresponding one of the retainerslots 742 to secure the retainer clip 600 to the inner post 140 and toretain the inner post 140 in place relative to the lower section 124 ofthe post outer shell 110. In some aspects, the retainer clip 600 can bebiased to the engaged configuration by the biasing element 850 (shown inFIG. 8). In the present aspect, the retainer opening 670 can beelongated such that a clearance can be provided between the secondlateral opening end 674 thereof and the inner post 140 in the engagedconfiguration, which can allow the retainer clip 600 to slide laterallyrelative to the inner post 140. To move the retainer clip 600 to thedisengaged configuration, the retainer clip 600 can be slid laterallyrelative to the inner post 140 to reduce the clearance between the innerpost 140 and the second lateral opening end 674 of the retainer opening670 and to disengage the retainer tab 676 from the correspondingretainer slot 742.

FIG. 8 illustrates the retainer clip 600 in the disengagedconfiguration. According to example aspects, the biasing element 850 canbe provided to bias the retainer clip 600 to the engaged configuration.The biasing element 850 can be, for example, the spring 855, as shown,or any other suitable biasing element 850 known in the art. In thepresent aspect, the spring 855 can extend between the proximal lateralend 720 of the upper fastener ledge 118 and the inner surface 658 of thecurved positioner end wall 652 of the biasing element positioner 650,and can bias the biasing element positioner 650 away from the proximallateral end 720, generally in the direction X. The spring 855 can alsoextend through a corresponding one of the positioner slots 662 (shown inFIG. 6A) of the biasing element positioner 650, and the adjacentpositioner tines 660 can retain the spring 855 in position between theupper fastener ledge 118 and the positioner end wall 652. As the biasingelement positioner 650 is biased away from the proximal lateral end 720of the upper fastener ledge 118, the retainer tab 676 (shown in FIG. 6A)can be biased towards the inner post 140 to engage one of the retainerslots 742 (shown in FIG. 7).

To move the retainer clip 600 to the disengaged configuration, as shown,a force can be applied to the retainer clip 600 to overcome a springforce of the spring 855 and to slide the body lower surface 822 of theretainer clip 600 along an upper ledge surface 818 of the upper fastenerledge 118, generally in the direction Y, which can be substantiallyopposite the direction X. As the retainer clip 600 is slid in thedirection Y, the spring 855 can be compressed between the biasingelement positioner 650 and the upper fastener ledge 118. As describedabove, the clearance defined between the inner post 140 and the secondlateral opening end 674 (shown in FIG. 6A) of the retainer opening 670(shown in FIG. 6A) can allow for movement of the retainer clip 600relative to the inner post 140 in the direction Y. As the retainer clip600 slides in the direction Y, the retainer tab 676 can be withdrawnfrom the corresponding retainer slot 742 of the inner post 140. Asshown, in some aspects, a portion of the upper fastener ledge 118 may bewithdrawn from the ledge slot 644 of the ledge grip 630 when theretainer clip 600 is in the disengaged configuration, but the distallateral end 722 of the upper fastener ledge 118 can remain engagedtherewith.

As shown, the threaded bolt 150 can abut a lower ledge surface 820 ofthe upper fastener ledge 118. The engagement of the threaded bolt 150with the lower ledge surface 820 of the upper fastener ledge 118 canmaintain the position of the upper fastener ledge 118 and the retainerclip 600 with respect to the lower section 124 of the post outer shell110. However, with the retainer tab 676 withdrawn from the retainer slot742 of the inner post 140, the position of the retainer clip 600 and theupper fastener ledge 118 along the length of the inner post 140 can beadjusted as desired. As described above, the inner post 140 can slidablyengage the lower section 124 of the post outer shell 110, and the innerpost 140 can be slid in a substantially upward or downward direction,relative to the orientation shown, to move the inner post 140 furtherinto or out of the lower section 124, thereby adjusting the length ofthe compression post 100 to a desired length. As such, in exampleaspects, the position of the retainer clip 600 and upper fastener ledge118 along the length of the inner post 140 can be adjusted by slidingthe inner post 140 relative to the lower section 124 of the post outershell 110.

According to various example aspects, the position of the inner post 140relative to the lower section 124 of the post outer shell 110 can alsobe adjusted while the retainer clip 600 remains in the engagedconfiguration (i.e., the retainer tab 676 remains within a correspondingretainer slot 742). For example, in the present aspect, the threadedbolt 150 can be selectively tightened or loosened relative to the lowerfastener ledge 128, which can increasingly push the threaded bolt 150against or retract the threaded bolt 150 away from the upper fastenerledge 118, respectively. Pushing the threaded bolt 150 against the upperfastener ledge 118 can bias the upper fastener ledge 118 and theretainer clip 600 upward, relative to the orientation shown, away fromthe lower section 124. Because the retainer clip 600 is in the engagedconfiguration, wherein the retainer tab 676 can be engaged with acorresponding one of the retainer slots 742, the inner post 140 canslide upward with the retainer clip 600 further out of the lower section124, thereby lengthening the compression post 100. Conversely,retracting the threaded bolt 150 away from the upper fastener ledge 118can allow the upper fastener ledge 118 and the retainer clip 600 to movedownward, relative to the orientation shown, towards the lower section124. Again, because the retainer tab 676 is engaged with a correspondingretainer slot 742, the inner post 140 can slide downward with theretainer clip 600 further into the lower section 124, thereby shorteningthe compression post 100.

Referring to FIG. 9, once the inner post 140 is oriented in a desiredposition relative to the lower section 124 of the post outer shell 110,the retainer clip 600 can be returned to the engaged configuration, asshown, to secure the inner post 140 in the new position, thus securingthe compression post 100 at the desired length. To return the retainerclip 600 to the engaged configuration, the force applied to the retainerclip 600 can be released and the spring 855 can bias the retainer clip600 back in the direction X. The retainer tab 676 (shown in FIG. 6A) canbe aligned with a corresponding one of the retainer slots 742 (shown inFIG. 7) along the length of the inner post 140, and as the retainer clip600 slides along the upper fastener ledge 118 in the direction X, theretainer tab 676 can engage the corresponding retainer slot 742 toretain the retainer clip 600 and upper fastener ledge 118 in positionrelative to the inner post 140. Thus, the inner post 140 can be retainedin position relative to the lower section 124 of the post outer shell110. In some aspects, in addition to adjusting the length of thecompression post 100, the engagement of the retainer tab 676 with a oneof the retainer slots 742 can serve to retain the compression post 100in an assembled configuration during transportation and/or installationby preventing the inner post 140 from sliding out of the post outershell 110.

FIG. 10 illustrates the retainer clip 600 according to another aspect ofthe present disclosure. Various features of the present retainer clip600 can be similar to the retainer clips 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B. Forexample, the retainer clip 600 can comprise the retainer body 610, whichcan define the first body end 612, second body end 614, first lateralbody end 616, and second lateral body end 618. The retainer body 610 canalso define the body upper surface 620 (shown in FIG. 11) and the bodylower surface 822. The retainer opening 670 can be formed throughretainer body 610 and can define the first lateral opening end 672 andsecond lateral opening end 674. The retainer tab 676 can extendlaterally into the retainer opening 670 from the first lateral openingend 672 towards the second lateral opening end 674. Additionally, thebiasing element positioner 650 extending from the second lateral bodyend 618. In the present aspect, the biasing element positioner 650 candefine a pair of the positioner tines 660 and a single one of thepositioner slots 662 oriented centrally therebetween. The biasingelement 850 (shown in FIG. 11), such as the spring 855 (shown in FIG.11), can extend through the positioner slot 662 to engage the innersurface 658 curved positioner end wall 652.

In the present aspect, the retainer clip 600 does not comprise the ledgegrip 630; rather, according to example aspects, the retainer clip 600can define a shoulder 1030 extending from the first lateral body end 616substantially in an upward direction, relative to the orientation shown.The retainer clip 600 can further define a first fastener slot 1040formed through the retainer body 610 proximate to the first lateral bodyend 616 and configured to receive a fastener 1150 (shown in FIG. 11)therethrough for securing the retainer clip 600 to the upper fastenerledge 118 (shown in FIG. 11). In the present aspect, the first fastenerslot 1040 can be oriented between the retainer opening 670 and theshoulder 1030, as shown.

FIG. 11 illustrates the compression post 100 comprising the retainerclip 600 of FIG. 10. As shown, the shoulder 1030 can extendsubstantially upward and away from the upper fastener ledge 118. Thefastener 1150 can extend through the first fastener slot 1040 of theretainer clip 600 and can engage the upper fastener ledge 118 to securethe retainer clip 600 to the upper fastener ledge 118 proximate to thedistal lateral end 722 of the upper fastener ledge 118. According toexample aspects, the first fastener slot 1040 can be sized such that thefastener 1150 can slide within the first fastener slot 1040 as theretainer clip 600 moves between the engaged and disengagedconfigurations.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A retainer clip for a compression postcomprising: a retainer body defining a first lateral body end, a secondlateral body end opposite the first lateral end, a retainer openingformed through the retainer body and positioned between the first andsecond lateral body ends, and a retainer tab extending into the retaineropening; a biasing element positioner extending from the second lateralbody end, the biasing element positioner comprising a positioner endwall, the positioner end wall defining an inner surface; and a biasingelement engaging the inner surface of the biasing element positioner. 2.The retainer clip of claim 1, further comprising a ledge grip extendingfrom the first lateral body end, the ledge grip defining a ledge slot,wherein at least a portion of the ledge grip extends beneath theretainer body.
 3. The retainer clip of claim 2, wherein the ledge gripdefines a first portion and a second portion, the first portion defininga proximal end coupled to the retainer body and a distal end oppositethe proximal end, the first portion extending substantially downwardfrom the retainer body, the second portion extending from the distal endof the first portion, wherein the second portion is orientedsubstantially parallel to the retainer body.
 4. The retainer clip ofclaim 1, further comprising a shoulder extending from the first lateralbody end.
 5. The retainer clip of claim 1, further defining a fastenerslot extending through the retainer body, the fastener slot orientedbetween the retainer opening and the first lateral body end.
 6. Theretainer clip of claim 1, wherein: the biasing element positionerdefines a pair of positioner tines extending from the positioner endwall; a positioner slot is defining between the pair of positionertines; and the biasing element extends through the positioner slot. 7.The retainer clip of claim 6, wherein the positioner end wall extendssubstantially downward from the retainer body and the pair of positionertines extend substantially upward from the positioner end wall towardthe retainer body.
 8. A compression post for a building comprising: apost outer shell; an inner post slidably engaged with the post outershell, the inner post defining a plurality of retainer slots; and aretainer clip comprising a retainer tab, the retainer clip movablebetween an engaged configuration, wherein the retainer tab engages a oneof the retainer slots, and a disengaged configuration, wherein theretainer tab is disengaged from each of the retainer slots.
 9. Thecompression post of claim 8, wherein: the retainer clip further definesa retainer opening; the retainer tab extends into the retainer opening;and the inner post extends through the retainer opening.
 10. Thecompression post of claim 8, wherein the retainer clip further comprisesa biasing element biasing the retainer clip to the engagedconfiguration.
 11. The compression post of claim 10, wherein thecompression post further comprises an upper fastener ledge defining aproximal lateral end and a distal lateral end, the retainer clipslidably mounted on the upper fastener ledge.
 12. The compression postof claim 11, wherein the retainer clip comprises a retainer body and abiasing element positioner extending from the retainer body, a retaineropening formed through the retainer body, the biasing element extendingbetween the proximal lateral end of the upper fastener ledge and thebiasing element positioner.
 13. The compression post of claim 12,wherein the biasing element positioner comprises a positioner end wall,a pair of positioner tines extending from the positioner end wall, and apositioner slot defined between the pair of positioner tines, thepositioner end wall defining an inner surface, the biasing elementextending through the positioner slot and engaging the inner surface ofthe positioner end wall.
 14. The compression post of claim 12, whereinthe retainer clip further comprises a ledge grip extending from theretainer body opposite the biasing element positioner, the ledge gripdefining a ledge slot, the distal lateral end of the upper fastenerledge received in the ledge slot.
 15. The compression post of claim 12,wherein: the retainer clip further defines a fastener slot formedthrough the retainer body; the compression post further comprises afastener extending through the fastener slot and engaging the upperfastener ledge to secure the retainer clip to the upper fastener ledge;and the fastener is configured to slide within the fastener slot as theretainer clip moves between the engaged configuration and the disengagedconfiguration.
 16. The compression post of claim 11, further comprisinga lower fastener ledge and a fastener, the lower fastener ledge mountedto the post outer shell, the fastener extending through the lowerfastener ledge and abutting a lower ledge surface of the upper fastenerledge.
 17. A method of adjusting a length of a compression postcomprising: providing a compression post comprising an inner post and anpost outer shell, the inner post slidably engaged with the post outershell, the inner post defining a plurality of retainer slots;disengaging a retainer tab of a retainer clip from a one of the retainerslots; sliding the inner post relative to the post outer shell to adjusta length of the compression post to a desired length; and engaging theretainer tab with another one of the retainer slots to retain the innerpost in position relative to the post outer shell at the desired length.18. The method of claim 17, wherein: disengaging a retainer tab of aretainer clip from a one of the retainer slots comprises sliding theretainer clip along an upper fastener ledge from an engagedconfiguration to a disengaged configuration; and a biasing elementbiases the retainer clip to the engaged configuration.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein the retainer clip comprises a retainer body and abiasing element positioner extending from the retainer body, and whereinthe biasing element extends between a proximal lateral end of the upperfastener ledge and the biasing element positioner.
 20. The method ofclaim 17, wherein: the compression post further comprises a lowerfastener ledge mounted to the post outer shell; a fastener extendsthrough the lower fastener ledge and abuts an upper fastener ledge; theretainer clip is mounted on the upper fastener ledge; and the methodfurther comprises one of tightening and loosening the fastener relativeto the lower fastener ledge to further adjust the length of thecompression post.